Release device for fluids



May 7, 1935. D. MAPES RELEASE DEVICE FQR FLUIDS Filed Nov. 7, 1931 2 Sheets-Shet 1 Hal/RE 5 INVENTOR DAN/[L [MA/6 BY ATTORNEY I May 7, 1.935. t D. MAPES- 2,000,708

' RELEASE DEVICE FOR FLUIIDS Filed Nov. '7, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 \F/GURE Z mvsmon DANIEL MARES ATTORNEY Patented May 7, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RELEASE DEVICE FOR FLUIDS Daniel Mapes, Upper Montclair, N. J., assignor to Walter Kiddo & Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application November 7, 1931, Serial No. 573,636

loplaims. (Cl. 169-11) In another application for Letters Patent of Figure lis a view in vertical, central section of the United States, Serial No. 278,009, filed May a release device or cutter valve in accordance 15th, 1928, there is covered a cutter valve dewith the present invention. signed particularly for the release of carbon diure 2 s a View in l va ow a D oxide under pressure for the purpose of extinrality of the release devices of Figure 1 and their 5 guishing fire, although capable of application for connections t a battery o containers, the pp other purposes. In that application a single cutn s o y of e co s being ow ter valve is shown so designed that a plurality of Figure 3 is a V similar t Figure 1 b t o such valves can be operated by fluid pressure ihg a different e od e t of the inVent 0n.-

fro an external source. In the particular emre 4 is also a w similar to Figure but 10 bodi ent of the invention illustrated in said ap- Showing a still different embodiment o the inplication, provision is made to discharge the rev leased medium through the same port which per- In Figure 1 there is shown a p rtio l of a mits admission of the actuating fluid so that the container of carbon dioxide from W c the fluid released medium may be utilized to assist in acuncle! pressure is discharged through a P p 2 15 tuating the cutter valve of its own container or Which is extended in the container nearly t the the cutter valves of other containers operatively bottom- 0 t onta e is secu ed one member connected in the same group. However, with 3 of a suitable Coupl g t Which the P p 2 that particular construction the accidental rey be threaded, such coupling member being lease of the contained medium, as by rupturing provided at 4 with a seat for a sealing disc 5 and 20 of the sealing disc upon the development of exa sealing gasket 6 held in place y & t b e 1- cessive pressure within a container, will result o co v in manufacture and assembling in the operation of the cutter valves of the other a second coupling member 8 is formed separately containers connected in the same group. Furm th up member 3 a d may be s u d thermore, with such construction, the accidentthereto y ad 9 engaging pe a ads 25 ally released medium is discharged to the same on the coupling member A t d ber D point as the intentionally released medium, of the coupling, a s for convenience formed p which may not only be undesirable, but may be y, is threaded On the coupling member 8 and dangerous, because of the unexpected release. is chambered, as at H, to receive with a close- 0 It is accordingly an object of the present inworking fit, as at I2, a piston l3. The coupling vention to provide a pressure-operated cutter member In is also chambered above the piston, as valve in which the accidental release of the conat H, and is provided with a delivery connection, tained medium takes place in a different direcas at l5, through which fluid under pressure may tion than the intentional release. be introduced from a suitable source for the op- It is a further object of the invention to proeration of the piston and through which, when 35 vide a pressure-operated cutter valve which is the sealing disc 5 is ruptured, the contents of initially operable only by pressure from a desigthe container i may pass for delivery at the point nated source of control pressure and in which required. the accidental release of pressure from'any con- Actuated by the piston I3 is a device l6 by 40 trolled container, as. by development of exces- Which the sealing disc 5 is to he rupturei In 40 sive pressure with consequent release of pressure the Construction Shown this rupturing device is through the container closure, will not cause tublllar cuttfir formed with l and 1 operation of other cutter valves connected in the fm the mud from the comamer when j 4 same groupr tentionally released, to pass into thechambci I o A still further object is to provide a system of i ag g? tglrouglg the P g h dlschaigg such pressure-operated cutter valves in which the 11.18 c as 5 Own m lgure fi ssure intentionally released from the con mm the Save? a1 Valves or release devices 0 6 p16 several containers I, as by branches 20. In the tmued Containers added to the pi essme from construction shown the tubular cutter I6 is forced the control container and assists it in actuating into the piston 13 so as to leave a passage through 50 the cutter f the piston. It is also shown as bevelled and sharp- I ened at its tower end, as at 2i, so that, when driven downward by the mov the piston it, it out out the disc allow the fluid ape from the container i into the common discharge line IS. The piston I3 is shown normally sustained in its highest position by a coiled spring 22.

In order to prevent effective opposition by the fluid released from the respective container or from any other container to the operative movement of the piston I 3, the tubular cutter I6 is fitted with a close-working fit within a reduced portion 23 of the coupling 8 between the chamber H and the chamber 24 which serves a purpose yet to be described. The chamber II is also vented, as at 25, in order to prevent effective opposition to the operative movement of the piston l3- by gas or air within the chamber ll.

In order to prevent the contained medium, when accidentally released as by rupturing of the sealing disc 5 under excessive pressure, from being discharged in the same direction in which the intentional discharge takes place and consequently to prevent unintentional operation of the release device of the respective container or of other containers connected in the same group, the ports I! and I8 of the tubular cutter I6 are arranged with a dividing wall 26 between, the ports I! normally being in communication with the chamber 24 and the ports 18 normally lying within the reduced portion 23 of the coupling member 8. Upon intentional operation of the piston with consequent downward movement of the hollow cutter IE to rupture the sealing disc 5, the ports l8 recede within the chamber 24 so that communication is established between the lower and upper portions of the tubular cutter l5 and around the dividing wall 26 through the ports H, the chamber 24 and the ports l8. The released medium can therefore flow into the chamber l4 and out through the port l5.

In order to permit escape of the medium when accidentally released from its container, the hollow cutter I6 is provided with ports 21 which are normally in alignment with an annular passage 28 which communicates with the atmosphere through passages 29. The accidentally released medium can therefore escape to the atmosphere through the ports 21, the annular passage 28 and the passages 29. However, when the medium is intentionally released, the ports 21 recede within the lower portion 30 of the coupling member 8,

4 thus closing off communication with the atmosphere and preventing the undesired escape of the medium. It will of course be appreciated that the hollow cutter l6 must be conducted with a close-working fit through the portions 38 and 3| of the coupling member 8.

It should be noted, in the construction shown in Figure 1, that the seal between the coupling member 8 and the coupling member 3 is produced at the surface 32.

Figure 1 also illustrates a means for effecting operation of the cutter valve manually, this means consisting of a bell-shaped head 33 on a stem 34 passed with a close-working fit through the upper part of the coupling member I0 and provided with a knob 35 which, when struck, depresses the bell-shaped head 33 and the piston l3 to effect operation of the cutter valve in the manner already described. Although the head 33 will be forced against the upper part of the coupling member H] by the force of the discharging medium, ports 36 may be provided in the head to insure at all times free communication between the hollow cutter l6 and the outlet port l5 through the chamber I4.

Figure 2 has already been referred to in the discussion of Figure 1 and no further comment is necessary except that the provision of manually operable means on each release device permits initiation of the operation of a group of containers operatively connected from any controlled container I, as well as from the source of control pressure 31, which is shown with a valve 38 and a valve-operating head 39.

The elements of Figures 3 and 4, which bear the same reference numerals as elements in Figure 1, are all of the same construction and have the same functions as the corresponding elements in Figure 1, so that further description of these particular elements is unnecessary. Certain elements in these figures which difier in constructional details from elements in Figure 1 having the same functions are indicated by the same reference numerals primed and double primed. These elements are, in- Figure 3, the coupling member 3', the coupling member 8', the coupling member l0, and the tubular cutter l6; while, in Figure 4, they are the coupling member 3", the coupling member 8", the coupling member 10, and the tubular cutter I6". As already pointed out, these elements serve the same functions as the corresponding elements 3, 8, l0 and [6 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 3 differs from Figure 1 in the disposition of the ports for permitting escape of the medium when accidentally released and the ports for preventing the discharge of the medium when intentionally released. The latter ports are shown at 40 and normally lie within the upper portion 4| of the coupling member ID, within which the tubular cutter I6 is conducted with a close-working fit. Upon intentional operation of the cutter valve, by admission of the actuating fluid through the port 1 5 into the chamber l4, the ports 40 enter into communication with the chamber [4 and thus permit discharge of the released medium through the ports 40 to the port l5. As already stated, the ports 40 are normally out of communication with the chamber I 4, while ports 42 are normally in communication with the atmosphere through the annular passage 43 and passages 44, so that the medium, when accidentally released, may escape to the atmosphere. However, when the cutter valve is intentionally actuated, the ports 42 recede within the upper portion 4| of the coupling member 10, thus cutting off communication with the atmosphere. The hollow cutter I6 is shown closed at its upper end by a plug 45 and a vent 46 is shown to prevent trapping of air by the closed upper portion of the hollow cutter.

With reference to Figure 4, ports 41, normally communicating with the atmosphere through the chamber I l and ports 25, permit the escape of the medium when accidentally released, but upon intentional operation of the cutter valve these ports recede within the contracted portion 23 of the coupling member 8. In order to prevent discharge of the medium, when accidentally released, into the chamber H, with the consequences already fully discussed, the upper portion of the hollow cutter is arranged with a close-working fit, as at 48, on an inwardly extending projection 49 of the coupling member ID. With this particular construction there is also an additional safeguard against accidental operation upon accidental release of the medium in that the escape of the medium to the atmosphere through the ports 41 and the ports 25 creates a pressure in the chamaocojzoe cut that I have made decided improvements in cutter valves of the general type referred to and it is to be understood that the present invention,

while it has been described with specific refer= ence to the accompanying drawings, is not to be limited, save as defined in the appended claims.

it A releasing device for use in connection with a fluid container having an opening, a frangible closure member for the opening and .a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge,

through said closure and said cutter, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chamber operativc= ly associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston a fluid container having an opening, a frangible closure member for the opening and ahollow ,tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chamber operatively associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston for operating the piston, means for delivering fluid from the container through the hollow tubular cutter to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by operation of the'hollow tubular cutter, and means normally obstructing the flow of fluid from the container to the space above the piston, said last named means being rendered ineffective upon operation of the hollow tubular cutter.

3. A releasing device for use in connectionwitha fluid container having an opening, a frangible closure member for the opening and a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chamber ope'ratively associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting afiuid, under pressure to the space above said piston ilor op; erating the piston, and means for permitting the delivery of fluid from the container through the hollow tubular cutter to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by eration of the hollow tubular cutter but nor ally preventing such flow, said last named means comprising a passage extending through said piston and adapted to receive one end of the hollow tubular cutter,- a chamber in contiguity with the external surface of the hollow tubular cutter at a point intermediate the container and the piston/chamber,- a port in the walling of the hollow Aiubular cutter normally in communication with said intermediate chamber, a second port in the walling of'the hollow tubular cutter normally out of communication with said intermediate chamber, and

means normally closing off the hollow tubular cutter at a. point intermediate the first and second ports, said ports being arranged so that they are placed in communication with each other through the intermediate chamber when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the container.

'4. A'releasing device for use in connection with a fluid container having anopening, a frangible closure member for the opening and a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in, the form of a piston in said chamber operatively associated witlrsaid hollow tubularcutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston for operating the piston, and means for permitting the delivery of fluid from the container through the hollow tubular cutter to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by operation of the hollow tubular cutter but normally preventing such flow, said last' named means comprising a passage extending through said piston and adapted to permit extension of the hollow tubular cutter therethrough to a point above the piston, means in the walling of the aforesaid body adapted to receive the extension of the hollow tubular cutter with a close-working flt, and a port in the extension of the hollow tubular cutter normally closed 01! by the means to receive said extension with a close-working flt but movable to a position to establish communication between the hollow tubular cutter and the space above the piston when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the container.

5. A releasing device for use in connection with a fluid container having an opening, a

frangible closure member for the opening and a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chamber operatively associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston for operating the piston, and means for permitting the delivery of fluid from the container through the'hollow tubular cutter to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by operation of the hollow tubular cutter but normally preventing such flow, said last named means comprising a passage extending through said piston and adapted to receive one end of the hollow tubular cutter, and obstructing means formed on the walling of the aforesaid body in line with the passage in the piston and adapted to normally close off communication between the passage and the space above the piston, said passage being freed of said obstructlng means when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the container.

6. A releasing device foruse in connection with a fluid container having an opening, a frangible closure member for the opening and a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate raid closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter,

comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chamber operatively associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space with a fluid container having an opening, a

above said piston for operating the piston, apessage extending through said piston for permitting the delivery of fluid from the container to the space above the piston when the fluid'is released by operation of the hollow tubular cutter, means normally obstructing" the flow of fluid from the container through said passage to the space above the piston, said last named means being rendered ineffective upon operation of the hollow tubular cutter, and means normally es:- tabli'shing communication between the hollow tubular cutter and the atmosphere to permit escape of the fluid when released from the con--- tainer upon rupture of the frangible closure member upon the development of excess pressure therein but adaptedto be closed off. when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the. container.

7. A releasing device for use in connection frangible closure member for the opening and a hollow tubular cutter adapted to penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure and said cutter, coiaprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in the form of a piston in said chani= ber operatively associated withsaid hollow-tubular cutter, a single delivery connection Zor admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston for operating the piston, a passage extending through said piston for per mitting the delivery of fluid from the container to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by operation of the hollow tubular out ter, means normally obstructing the flow of fluid from the container through said passage to the space above the piston, said last named means being rendered ineffective upon operation of the hollow tubular cutter, and means normally es tablishing communication between the hollow tubular cutter and the atmosphere to permit escape of the fluid when released from the container upon rupture of the frangible closure member upon the development of excess pressure therein but adapted to be closed off when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the container, said last ninned means comprising a chamber communicating with the atmosphere and in contiguity with the external surface of the hollow tubular cutter, and a port. in the walling of the hollow tubular cutter normally in communication with the last named chamber but adapted to move out of com munication with the last named chamber when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release operatively associated with said hollow tubular cutter, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above said piston for operating the piston, a passage extending through said pistonfor permitting the delivery of fluid from the container to the space above the piston when the fluid is released by operation oi! the hollow tubular cutter, means normally obstructing the flow of fluid Irom'the container .through said passage to the space above the piston, said last named means being rendered ineffective upon operation of the hollow tubular cutter, and means normally establishcommunication betwen the hollow tubular cutter and the atmosphere to permit escape of thefiuid when released from the container upon rupture of the frangible closure member upon the development of excess pressure therein but adapted to be closed oii when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to release the fluid from the container, said last named means comprising that portion'of the chamber in the aforesaid body below the aforesaid piston, and a port in the walling of the hollow tubular cuter normally in communication with the last rinentioned portion or the chamber in the body but adapted to move cut'oi' communication with said portion of said chamber when the hollow tubular cutter is actuated to'release the fluid from the container.

9. The combination with a plurality of conta'iners of fluid under pressure, each having an openings closure for each opening and a fluid pressure operated fluid releasing device for opening each closure, a common fluid conducting line connected to each fluid pressure operated fluid releasing device and adapted to deliver operating fluid to each 01" the pressure operated fluid releasing devices and to receive fluid discharged from the plurality of containers upon operation of the respective fluid pressure operated fluid releasing devices, said fluid releasing devicehaw ing a passage for establishing communication between said container and said fluid conducting line normally positioned to coact with asso ciated means for closing oi! communication between the said container and fluid conducting line whereby to prevent the passage of fluid ther-ethrough when released from said container due to excess pressure developed in said container without operation oi the fluid operated fluid releasing device of said container, the said fluid re= leasing device upon operation of the respective fluid pressure operated fluid rel-easing device by an operating fluid being moved to a position to render said coasting means ineffective so that communicationis established between the container and the common fluid conducting line.

10.-A releasing device for use in connection with a fluid container having an opening, a frangible closure member for the opening and penetrating means adapted to. penetrate said closure member constructed to provide free discharge through said closure, comprising, a body forming a chamber, fluid operated means in said chamber operatively associated with said penetrating means, a single delivery connection for admitting a fluid under pressure to the space above the fluid operated means to operate the fluid operated means, means for delivering fluid from the container to the space above the fluid operated means when the fluid is released by operation of the penetrating means, and means normally obstructing-the flow of fluid from the container to the space above the piston, said last DANIEL MAIEES. 

